TWELVE people died, 10 of them on the spot, when a bus they were travelling in failed to stop at a road construction site along the Gweru-Bulawayo Road. Two other passengers died on admission to Gweru Provincial Hospital. Forty-six passengers who were injured in the accident were admitted to the hospital.

The bus side-swiped a construction truck at the site. Acting National Traffic police spokesperson Asst Insp Luckmore Chakanza yesterday said the bus, which was using the Zebron franchise, was signalled to stop on approaching the 54 km peg under construction. The driver failed to stop due to speeding. The bus carrying 58 passengers drove past a stationary vehicle which had been stopped by the construction workers.

"He however saw an oncoming construction truck coming from the opposite direction. In trying to avoid a head-on collision they side-swiped and the bus was ripped off inflicting injuries on passengers seated on that side."

He said the construction truck overturned injuring the driver.

"The bodies of the deceased were taken to Gweru Provincial Hospital for post-mortem. Full details will be disclosed when their next of kin have been informed."